Jobs Work Humans machines Robots Automation Computers, RFID and Sim chips

Meter reader called today, I asked when the "smart" meters will be fitted - programme still rolling out, but still very busy. Parting comment "I am being replaced by a Sim - I hope to be upskilled - fitting them"
The future of work in UK - The rise of the Sim, Computer and Robot,  we are  insidiously being superseded. Humans just can't "hack" it any more  (geddit)
Humans vs. Computers Infographic – How smart is your Laptop?
Job-devouring technology is conundrum for US workers By Richard Waters in San Francisco
Are we heading (pro-tem) for the labouringworker masses aspiration where one option could be - Minimum wage for 31ish hours 5 days per week 52 weeks per annum travel time total 1 hour. Dropping to to 4 days per week at 65 reducing by 1 day every 5 years including holiday pay - short term sick pay scheme would be handy as would a private pension (one that buys an annuity - so private pension turns into a long term sick pay scheme because your too ill or body broken to work (creaky and leaky)) upon qualified unfit to work note issued.
Its as good as it gets. trouble is its our nature to turn every activity into a process (rules make software programmes) standardise and automate it. As a previous poster "Mastery" is a declining/lost aspiration - My Childhood hero/role model was Leonardo (he seemed to me to be the best unobtainable target to strive for to make it all pointlessly worthwhile) 
Plus Workfare - simple public works for benefits via agencies for private companies and make it function ( not be abused). As with the outsourcing concept - its about flexible overhead beyond the Core of the company. Play the cards your dealt and make the best of em.
Rudyard Kipling "IF" is not a bad guide - An education, preparation for life (its more than just training)
E M Forster The Machine Stops
Transforming the Industrial State: The Ultimate Complex System Challenge — Nicholas A. Ashford, PhD, JD Professor of Technology and Policy, MIT Director, MIT Technology and Law Program
The Job Guarantee as an Alternative to Enforced Idleness. But What Will They Do? Examples from the WPA
State of Nature Public works Programmes state subsidies
Production processes: A lightbulb moment
The Robot Hiring Boom Has Arrived
Reasons for poor productivity remain a puzzle
Sayonara, industry Japan’s manufacturing moves abroad

Robert Reich Capitalism and insatiable consumers